Osun Poll: Oyebamiji Finally Congratulates Adeleke, Demands End to Political Killings

The All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the August 15 Osun State election, Bola Oyebamiji, has finally congratulated Governor Ademola Adeleke on his victory, while calling for an end to killings, harassment and intimidation allegedly targeting opposition members in the state.

Oyebamiji, who spoke on Saturday in Osogbo while addressing APC leaders, members and supporters on the outcome of the election, said he had accepted the result and urged the party to remain committed to democratic processes.

His concession came about two weeks after the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Adeleke the winner of the poll. Adeleke polled 511,067 votes to defeat Oyebamiji, who secured 444,815 votes.

Congratulating Adeleke, Oyebamiji urged the governor to use his position as the state’s Chief Security Officer to protect the lives and property of residents, particularly in the aftermath of the election.

He said the post-election period should not become an avenue for settling political scores or attacking people because of their affiliations.

“At the same time, I call on Mr. Governor, as the Chief Security Officer of the state, to do everything within his constitutional responsibility to protect the lives and property of all citizens, particularly during this sensitive post-election period,” he said.

Oyebamiji expressed particular concern over the killings of former Irewole Local Government chairman, Remi Abass; APC chairman in Atakumosa Local Government Area, Chief Gbenga Ogbara; Dele Ayegbo, nephew of the Director-General of his campaign council, Wole Oke; and more than 35 other victims.

He called on the Nigeria Police Force to conduct a thorough investigation into the killings and ensure that those responsible were prosecuted.

The former APC candidate also extended his condolences to the families of those killed in what he described as political violence, stressing that no political contest should result in the loss of lives.

“The senseless killings, harassment and intimidation of members and supporters of our party must therefore stop forthwith,” Oyebamiji said.

He also condemned alleged attacks on innocent residents and small and medium-sized businesses based on the perceived political affiliations of their owners.

According to him, such actions could undermine economic activity in a state seeking to attract investment, create jobs and improve the welfare of its residents.

Oyebamiji said the provision of security and an atmosphere where businesses could operate without fear was essential to Osun’s economic development.

The APC candidate, however, urged his supporters not to be discouraged by the election outcome, saying the party would continue to seek justice and fairness through lawful and constitutional means.

He said wider consultations involving party leaders, elders and other stakeholders had commenced following INEC’s declaration of the result to determine the party’s next course of action.

“As a party committed to the rule of law, we shall continue to pursue justice and fairness through lawful and constitutional means, particularly in relation to our electoral processes,” he said, urging members to remain calm and maintain confidence in democratic institutions.

Oyebamiji also thanked President Bola Tinubu for his support during the election, while commending former Governor Bisi Akande and the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Adegboyega Oyetola, for their contributions to the APC’s campaign and efforts to strengthen the party in Osun.

Reflecting on the campaign, he said various tendencies within the APC had put aside their differences after his emergence as the party’s candidate in December 2025 and worked towards a common objective.

He said the campaign reached different segments of the state, including civil servants, retirees, artisans, students, youths, entrepreneurs, women, professionals, sporting groups, persons living with disabilities and religious organisations.

With the 2027 general election now becoming the party’s next major focus, Oyebamiji called on APC leaders and members in Osun to close ranks and strengthen the party’s structures.

He urged them to begin mobilisation for the re-election of Tinubu and the success of other APC candidates in the state.

“We must close ranks, strengthen our structures and work tirelessly to secure incontrovertible victories for Mr. President and all our candidates in Osun State,” he said.

Oyebamiji also congratulated Osun State on its 35th anniversary, saying his commitment to the state remained unchanged despite the outcome of the governorship election.

He said the APC would continue to work towards a state where public resources were equitably deployed, opportunities were accessible to residents and governance served the broader interests of the people.

The call for an investigation into the violence comes amid continuing concerns over politically linked killings in Osun. The issue had featured prominently in the final days of the election campaign, with the APC and supporters of Adeleke trading accusations over violence and intimidation.

Oyebamiji’s latest position combines acceptance of Adeleke’s electoral victory with a demand for accountability over the violence surrounding the election, while setting the stage for the APC’s mobilisation for the 2027 elections.